Best Value Chemistry Colleges in Washington

University of Washington-Bothell delivers the state's most affordable Chemistry education at just $10,898 net cost while maintaining a solid 68% graduation rate. The earnings gap between public and private programs tells an interesting story: Eastern Washington University graduates earn $42,682 annually, outpacing even expensive private options like Pacific Lutheran at $33,993. Washington's tech giants and biotech companies create strong demand for chemistry expertise, particularly in materials science and pharmaceutical research. Public universities dominate the value equation here, with UW-Seattle offering top-tier research opportunities at $13,485 net cost. The state's 16 programs range from $10,898 to $38,920 in net costs, but earnings potential varies significantly regardless of price point.

Programs

$10,898 – $38,920

Net Price Range

$37,251

Avg. Program Earnings

65.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Chemistry Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, Washington	$10,898	$37,568	$12,559	68.2%	88.1%
2	Eastern Washington University Cheney, Washington	$13,091	$42,682	$8,353	47.2%	96.1%
3	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$37,568	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
4	Central Washington University Ellensburg, Washington	$14,715	$37,208	$9,192	49.9%	93.5%
5	Western Washington University Bellingham, Washington	$18,680	$37,748	$9,286	65.5%	92.7%
6	Pacific Lutheran University Tacoma, Washington	$21,370	$33,993	$50,964	71.0%	88.9%
7	Whitworth University Spokane, Washington	$25,884	$33,993	$50,920	68.4%	90.5%
8	Gonzaga University Spokane, Washington	$36,371		$53,500	86.9%	69.7%
9	Heritage University Toppenish, Washington	$11,893		$19,920	39.8%
10	University of Puget Sound Tacoma, Washington	$38,920		$59,900	67.9%	82.7%
11	Saint Martin's University Lacey, Washington	$22,618		$44,210	57.1%	95.0%
12	Seattle Pacific University Seattle, Washington	$24,820		$38,814	62.1%	90.7%
13	Seattle University Seattle, Washington	$34,802		$54,285	73.3%	85.2%
14	Walla Walla University College Place, Washington	$23,992		$33,027	64.2%
15	Washington State University Pullman, Washington	$14,401		$12,997	61.6%	83.1%
16	Whitman College Walla Walla, Washington	$35,506		$61,492	81.0%	47.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Eastern Washington University stand out for chemistry value?

Eastern Washington University graduates earn $42,682 annually, the highest among all Washington chemistry programs, despite a modest $13,091 net cost. The 96% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the 47% graduation rate suggests academic rigor. This combination of low cost and high earning potential creates strong return on investment for students who complete the program.

How do University of Washington campuses compare for chemistry students?

UW-Bothell offers the lowest net cost at $10,898 with a 68% graduation rate, while UW-Seattle costs slightly more at $13,485 but boasts an 84% graduation rate. Both campuses report similar graduate earnings of $37,568 annually. Seattle's campus has much more selective admission at 48% acceptance versus Bothell's 88%, reflecting different academic environments.

Is private education worth the extra cost for chemistry in Washington?

Private programs cost significantly more, with nets ranging from $21,370 to $38,920 compared to public options under $19,000. However, graduates from expensive private schools like Pacific Lutheran and Whitworth earn just $33,993, well below what Eastern Washington graduates make. Only schools like Gonzaga justify higher costs with strong graduation rates, though earnings data wasn't available.

Where do Washington chemistry graduates find the best job opportunities?

Washington's tech sector offers chemistry graduates roles in materials science at companies like Microsoft and Boeing, while the state's growing biotech industry provides pharmaceutical research positions. The Seattle metro area concentration of employers explains why both UW campuses report identical $37,568 average earnings. Regional chemical manufacturing and environmental consulting firms also recruit heavily from state universities.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.